Public Hearing: YES ? NO ? Department: Board of Commissioners
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Districts
To Amend Section II of The Board of Commissioners' Standing Procedural Rules To Establish Limits On Commissioners' Speaking Time.
Body
Information Contact: Mereda Davis Johnson, Commissioner, District 5
Phone Number: 404-371-2159
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this amendment to the Board of Commissioners' Standing Procedural Rules is to establish defined limits on Commissioners' speaking time during deliberation of items during meetings and other assemblies of the Board of Commissioners that are governed by the Open Meetings Act, including committee of the whole and committees established by the Board. The amendment is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of meetings. This amendment is proposed as a result of discussions conducted during the County Operations (OPS) Committee's review of the Board's Standing Procedural Rules. Commissioners shall be permitted to speak no more than two (2) times per item, with an initial speaking period not to exceed five (5) minutes and a second speaking period not to exceed three (3) minutes, for a total maximum of eight (8) minutes per Commissioner, per item. A Commissioner may speak a second time on the same item only after every other Commissioner who wishes to speak has been given an opportunity to do so. Upon exhaustion of all Commissioners' speaking opportunities, deliberation shall conclude, and the item shall proceed to a vote, as applicable. This amendment may be approved upon two readings and shall take effect immediately upon approval.
NEED/IMPACT:
Approval of this amendment will promote orderly and efficient meetings, ensure equitable opportunity for participation among Commissioners, and facilitate more focused and concise deliberations, thereby reducing overall meeting duration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
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